M.J. "Sonny" Tinsley

September 11, 1947 - June 23, 2022

M.J. “Sonny” Tinsley, 74, of Salem passed away on June 23, 2022 at Lewis Gale Medical Center.
A native of Virginia, he was born on September 11, 1947, to the late Samuel James Tinsley and Helen Jones Tinsley, and was the husband of the late Susan McCormick Tinsley for 40 years.  Sonny was a veteran of the United States Army. He worked for Roanoke Iron and Bridge Works. Sonny was an active member of Fellowship Community Church and his life group at the church (Truth Seekers Life Group). He was a member of the Penguin Club and Moose Lodge. Sonny was a lifelong Virginia Tech fan and had many passions, which included being an avid golfer, dancing, spending time with family and friends, a love for the beach, and vacationing at Jekyll Island.
Sonny is survived by a daughter, Tiffanie Wiscombe and husband Jeff; two sons, Derek Tinsley and wife Casey and Lee Johnson and wife Christine; eleven grandchildren, Aiden, Myla, Anessa, and Adam Wiscombe, Tyler and Ashlyn Tinsley, Shelby and Tyler Matson, Taylor, Kelly, and Nick Johnson; one great grandchild, Fenn Tinsley; his sister, Barbara Wheeling; brother in law, Frank Pugh and wife Katherine; special neighbor, Brenda; and numerous other extended family.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son Roy Johnson; and two sisters, Evelyn Wisely and Jackie Schofield. 
The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm, with a memorial service following in the chapel at 6:00 pm with Pastor Andrew McPheron officiating. A private burial will be held in Sherwood Memorial Park.